
Class ^g.9//f^ 

Book • ^ / 8 

Copyright 11" /1/J 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



OCCASIONAL VERSES 



WRITTEN 



DURING LEISURE HOURS 



BY 

ROBERDEAU BUCHANAN, S. B. 

Late Assistant, Xautical Abnanac Office, U. S. Naval Observatory. Author of 
Genealogies of the Roberdeau, Shippen, and McKean Families ; 
A Treatise on the Projection of the Sphere; An Introduction 
to the Differential Calculus by means of Finite Differ- 
ences ; The Mathematical Theory of Eclipses 
(Lippiiicott, I90i), etc. 



L. & J. B. McQueen. Inc. 
Washington, D. C. 
1910 



Copyright, 1910 



ROBERDEAU BuCHANAN 



(gClA26l444: 



TO MY WIFE 



INTRODUCTION 

These Verses Imve been privately printed by tlie 
author, following the suggestions of various friends, 
who have read them, that they should be made public, 
and more accessible than in manuscript. They have 
been written merely as an amusement duriiig leisure 
hours and a relaxation from his astronomical duties 
and calculations. 

The author does not profess a liking for jjoetry in 
general, especially that of the late modern poets; though 
it has been a pleasure to him to commit to memory 
such pieces as his tastes suggest, especially from the 
writings of Scott, Rogers, Campbell, Cowper and 
Pope; and he rarely forgets anything so learned. He 
has always been somewhat of a student; and by chance, 
two years ago, taking up the study of English Litera- 
ture, especially prosody, he soon found himself unac- 
countably writing in verse; and these pieces have all 
been written since that time. 

As his style seems to have been formed by tliese earlier 
poets, there will be found less sentiment here than in 
the later poets of the present day. Yet if the reader is 
interested in the historic descriptions, in the various 
and obscure incidents brought to light, in the humorous 
articles, and is thereby pleased, the end and aim of all 
poetry seems to have been attained. 



Occasional Vp:rses 



The author has written at least one piece in each of 
the poetic meters. Brief remarks are given as footnotes 
to The Gimmal Ring, Montreal, and The Four Maries, 
regarding respectively the Trochee, Amphibrach, and 
Dactyl Meters, which are less commonly met with than 
the others. 

In The Poetic Meters the author has given specimens 
of all the meters, exemplifying, briefly, their chief pecu- 
liarities. The idea is taken from Coleridge, who wrote 
too few lines and thereby mixed his meters. 

The critic may ponder over the two lines of pure 
Spondee. If they are actually so regarded, they are 
the only two such lines the author knows of in English. 
They can be scanned equally well with either the Iambic 
or the Trochee stress. 

The author has followed Professor R. M. Alden in 
his English Verse by adopting the spelling " Rime." 
Shakespeare uses this form, and Professor J. M. D. 
Meiklejohn of St. Andrew's College, Scotland, in his 
English Language remarks that, in the words of Profes- 
sor Skeat, " Rhynie is one of the worst spelled words 
in the language." The dictionaries give both forms. 

The author realizes that some of his earlier pieces 
should have been written in other forms of verse. Lord 
Byron should not have been in the heroic verse, and 
A Knotty Pom^ would have been better in couplets. 

2015 Q Street, Washington, D. C. 
March, 19 W 



Occasional Verses 



THE POETIC METERS 

Of all the Meters, pure Iambic leads, — 
Its beauty filling all the poet's needs; 
Strength may be gained, inserting other feet; 
Light syllables, too, we oft with pleasure may meet. 

And the Anapest follows when they are well scat- 
tered throughout, 

But the Dactyl when faulty is scanned like it oft 
without doubt. 

The Amphibrach sounds like Sir Walter Scott's Cav- 
alry Gallop ; 

Beware of light syllables ending a line as in " shal- 
lop," 

Which lead, in some meters, to Doggerel fringe, like 
a scallop. 

Pure Spondee slow moves through these lines both 

terse 
Throughout, claims Trochee's tress, though scanned 

inverse. 

Trochee 's too abrupt for English reading. 
Seeming much as if politeness failed ; 

Low words bearing accent oft. exceeding, 

Better words unstressed; and lines curtailed.^ 

^ See The Glmmal Ring, and note. 



Occasional Verses 



Dactyl reminds us of Virgil and tlioroughbred race- 
horse 

Galloping through his hexameter lines as a race- 
course ; 

Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula cam- 
pum/ 

Showing the features of Dactyl much better than 
English can stamp them. 

Dactyl requires a spondee ending or else it is dam- 
num.^ 



THE FOUR MARIES 

After Dryden: Song in An Evening's Love 

Yestreen the Queen had four Maries, 

This nicht she'll have hut three; 
There was ]\Iarie Seton and Marie Beatoun 

And Marie Carmichael and me. 

— Mary Hamilton. 

Scotland's young Queen , the unfortunate Mary, 1542 
Reigned from her birth as an infant in arms; 

Five summers after, her quiet could vary; 

Later, the world had acknowledged her charms. 

nirgil, .Eneid, VIII, 596. 

■^ Latin participle condemned; because if there is but one long 
syllable at the end of the line, it can be scanned as Anapest — a 
fault of nearly all English Dactyl poetry. See Professor R. M. 
Aldex's English Verse, p. 40. 



The Four Maries 



Maidens of Honor were Four at her pleasure, 
Young, and each claimed to her favorite name; 

Little girls, five of them, romped without measure — 
Tliese were the Claries, the Four known to fame. 

Fleming, first Mary, and next Mary Seton, 
Favorites worthy of w^earing a crown ; 

Livingston, Mary, and hist, Mary Beatoun, — 
All of tliem names of historic renown. 

Moving to France, Mary Stewart resided — 
She and her Maidens, Four Maries so true. 

Studying English with tutors provided, 
Faithfully; Latin and poetry too. 

French with its fluency, yet lacks a letter 
Needed when properly writing her name ; 

Altered to Stuart, by whicli she's known better, 
Yet, to an ear it is almost the same. 

Homew^ard to govern, in Scotland they landed, i56i 
Queen, and tlie train of Four Maries, her own, 

All now of age with their minds well expanded. 
Loveliness fresh, and intelligence sliown. 

Stately in Hall while their Minstrel was singing, 
Setons w^ere famed, far and wide, years anon; 

Bravelv thev fought with their battle-crv ringing, 
' ' Seton ! "'A Seton ! Set-on ! Set-on ! ' ' 



10 Occasional Verses 

Far Mary Beatoun the others exceeded, 
Both in her beauty and natural grace; 

Married and leaving the Four, was succeeded, 
Shortly before the great troubles took place. 

Mary nee Fleming was closely related, 

Royally, cousin to Mary the Queen; 
Livingston, Fleming, were first who vacated 

Places when married, as all had foreseen. 

Joining in place of the two who were leaving, 
Carmichael jcnters as one of the Four; 

Hamilton next, as the poet receiving, 
Yet were Four Maries again as before. 

Finally leaving the Maries forever, 

Poor Mary Hamilton parted and wept. 

Called by imprudence her friendships to sever. 
Hoping that aught may her fate intercept. 

Seton alone of the Four was unmarried. 

Last of the Maids to remain with the Queen, 

Aided her flight from Loch-Leven when harried. 
Chances she courted and well had foreseen.' 1568 



^ The Dactyl is a meter foreig^ii to the EiigUsh language, but 
natural to the Latin. There is hut little in English, and most of 
that is faulty. See the note to The Poetic Meters. 



The Battle of Santiago Bay 11 

THE BATTLE OF SANTIAGO BAY 

Sunday, July 3, 1898 

Respectfully dedicated to Rear-Admiral Winfield Scott Schley, 
U. S. N. 

What nobler subject could be found 
For artist's brush or poet's pen 

Than letting glorious deeds resound 
Of heroes brave and valiant men ! 

The Spanish fleet which came this way 

Had entered Santiago Bay ; 

Cervera, thus located here, 

Attacks elsewhere nOw none could fear. 

This known, our ships' long search was o'er; 

They sailed in force to watch this shore, 

The Acting Admiral to lead. 

And Sampson hoped he would succeed 

In vanquishing this heavy fleet. 

Which all were anxious then to meet. 

Next Schley with Second Squadron came ; 

A braver man could no one name. 

Uncertain where Spain's blow would fall, 

The Commodore was kept in call, — 

Retained at home to guard our coast. 

His ships alone were deemed a host. 

Schley held the rank of Commodore, 

One grade above what Captains bore. 



12 Occasional Verses 



Sampson was but a Captain too, 
Rear- Admiral acting, as all knew. 

Higli hills the harbour here surround, 
Betweeen the hills the entrance wound ; 
A natural defense appeared, 
And on these hills were batteries reared. 
Our ships now watched by night and day 
To frustrate means to get away, 
Till General Shafter, on the land. 
Could work his way and make a stand 
Above the hills and thus compel 
Surrender of the ships as well. 

It chanced that Sampson one day sailed. 
By naval orders thus detailed, 
For Guantanamo, and there to meet 
And form with Shafter plans complete, 
To gain this end while vessels stay 
And guard the entrance of the Bay. 
He was not detached, but sent away 
By orders, which he must obey. 
For special service on that day ; 
And " Disregard the Flag " displaj^ed. 
Which left the fleet without his aid. 
Thus leaving, his command he sank. 
Which then devolved on the next in rank. 
Thus Schley was left in sole command, 
By law and custom, sea and land. 



The Battle of Santiago Bay 13 

That Sunday morn was clear and bright, 
So peaceful, cahn, none dreamed of fight. 
The Brooklyn, flag, lay toward the west; 
Iowa, Texas and the rest, 
With Indiana towards the east, 
And Oregon, by no means least; 
The (tloucester. Vixen, further found. 
All facing shore, in crescent round — 
This their position day by day. 
But, see! a smoke rise o'er the Bay, 
And from the watch a hasty shout: 
" The Spanish ships are coming out! " 
And at full speed the vessels flew. 
For Schley had set these signals two : 
*' Clear ship for action," and " Close in "; 
Replies repeat it, 'mid battle's din. 

The Spanisli ships now turned towards west, 
They passed our ships and steamed their best. 
Tlie Brooklyn with port helm swings 'round 
And towards the Spanish ships is bound. 
And lying westward took the lead 
And kept it, by her greater speed. 
The guns kept up a deafening roar; 
The thirteen-inch their thunder pour; 
'Twas worse than thunderbolts from heaven ; 
The vessel shook like earthquake riven. 
The shots that struck made decks to quiver, 
'Twas enough to make the stoutest shiver. 



14 Occasional Verses 

The falling splinters from on high 

Made many think their end was nigh. 

The smoke was dense and left astern, — 

AVhat happened there none now could learn. 

The Maria Theresa in the lead. 

Their flagship, too, soon slacked her speed. 

And sinking, turned in, towards the shore; 

The Oquendo next, — her fate was o'er. 

Destroyers two, sunk out of sight, 

Were silenced early in the fight. 

The Brooklyn was the first in line, 

Thus all the battle saw in fine. 

On, on, she kept; left those in rear 

To rescue prisoners they were near. 

The Viscaya next was seen on fire. 

To lower her flag, and fast retire. 

The ships in rear then saved crew, — 

She soon blew up that evening too. 

But just before, through smoke was seen 

The Oregon, of ships the queen, — 

The fastest vessel of them all, — 

Most fortunate, was now in call. 

She came abreast and slacked her speed ; 

She recognized Schley's flag indeed; 

'Tis etiquette she should not pass 

The flag of a Chief Commander's class. 

One ship remained — the Colon, the last — 
Five miles ahead and steaming fast. 



The Battle of Santiago Bay 15 

The Oregon could send ahead 

A shot that vessels well may dread, 

And giant shell five feet in length 

Was hurled by thirteen-inch gun's great strength. 

Jler stern was struck, her colors fell — 

And thus the battle closed as well. 

Boats then were lowered to take the prize, 

Save lives, or aid in any wise. 

For fifty miles the battle raged, 

And chiefly at long range engaged. 

The smoke now cleared, and seen at last, 

Two ships hull down, naught seen but the mast;^ 

One, the New York, can claim no place 

In this great naval fight and chase. 

AVhen Sampson reached the Bay he found 
Destroyer Furor circling 'round. 
Fearing escape, he fired three shells — 
Unlucky shots!' the Gloucester tells! 
At once a hurried signal flies, 
Says Wainwright, " She 's disabled prize." 
Sampson passed on and from his decks 
Saw all those ships Schley's fleet made wrecks; 
When near she came, the cannon's roar 
Had ended then an hour before.^ 

The honor of this noted fight 
Belongs to Admiral Schley by right ; 

^ Lieutenant Eberle of the Oregon, Story of the Captains, Cen- 
tury Magazine, LVIII, May, 1899, p. 110. 

"^Ihid, Lieutenant Eberle, compare pp. 109, 110, also p. 99. 



16 0('( AsioNAL Verses 



'Twas he, the senior in command, 
Who saw each vessel turn towards land 
'Twas he who led the battle line, 
Which victory closed the war in fine. 
'Twas his, the history made that day, 
Which no one e'er can take awav. 



Author's Notk: The facts and details stated above may all be 
verified by the i>tory of the Captains in the Century Magazine, 
LVIII, May, 1S91>. Sampson being "hull down," was at no 
time dnring this chase nearenongh to the leading ships to direct 
their motions; he was therefore " incapable of commaiid " and 
Commodore Schley succeeded to the command ; De facto et de 
jure. 



THE SOUTHERN HEAVENS 

CRUCIS AUSTRALIS 

The southern skies to northern eyes 
Present a wondrous sight. 

The starry sphere, its motion here, 
Now seems reversed at night. 

The stars their nightly journey run. 
And though from east to west, 



The Southern Heavens 



They seem to move from right to left, 
Sun, stars, and all the rest/ 

The Sun now passing north of us, 
A new condition brings, — 

The motion of each shadow cast, 
In reverse direction swings. 

The Moon's familiar face is seen, 

Now rising on our right. 
Above all else, these motions here 

Present a novel sight. 

One side alone is always shown, 
As round this orb she glides; 

No mortal eye can ever spy 
The other which she hides. 



We still see southern Sirius, 
The brightest star in heaven. 

But Procyon and the Dipper miss. 
The Pleiades, the seven. 



' A person in tlie nortliern zone, facing tlie equator, sees the 
sun rise on his left ; and facing the pole sees liis sliadow swing 
from left to right. In tlie southern zone the motions are reversed, 
that is, from right to left, the sun passing between them as it 
were. 



18 Occasional Verses 



Now Procyon to the Greeks foretold ^ 
(For so 'twas named to mean) , 

When seen, the Dog-Star next would rise, 
And Sirius soon was seen. 

And here the Scorpion rises high. 

Its tail the star-twin shows ; 
Not low like northern summer eve, 

J But high o'er winter snows. 

I And tlie red Antares glows. 

Now turning towards the southern pole, 

We 're lost in admiration. 
We greet the glorious Southern Cross, 

The type of our salvation — 

Most welcome sight to travellers all. 

And scientific men. 
In every land, all times revered; 

Described by many a pen. 

For anxious navigator, too. 

It points the southern pole. 
It marks his time by transit hour, 

And aids him to his goal. 

These stars are of the brightest class 

In this most noted cluster; 
And in Centaurus, towards the left. 

Are two of equal lustre. 

^ irp6 Kvojv; Pro kyon, Before the Dog, meaning that Procyon 
rises before the Dog-Star, Sirius. 



Montreal 19 



In Argo, on the right, is seen 

A lesser star called Beta ; 
But nearer shines a brighter star, 

The variable Eta. 

And far away in this same line 

Bright Canopus will rise, 
To Sirius next most brilliant star, 

Not seen by northern eyes. 

More briglit the Milky AA'ay appears 
Than in the northern zone. 

The Magellan Clouds are near the pole, 
But the pole no star can own. 



MONTREAL ' 

Explorers who came to this beautiful region 
Found Indians, a civilized, tractable race; 

Descendants, and others who followed, are legion, 
A\^ell pleased that their fathers remained in this 
place. 

^ The Amphibrach Meter is so rarely used that many writers 
on Rhetoric and Prosody do not even alhide to it. Tlie only 
pieces in this meter known to the author are The Exile of Erin 
by Campbell, and The Old Oaken Bucket by Wood worth. 



20 Occasional Vf:rses 

Columbus-like, seeking a passage to China, 

Were charmed with the view from the beautiful 
hill, 

And all the world over thought none could be finer. 
The traces they left are remaining here still. 

They found not the China they sought for so vainly, 
In French had remarked, ' 'Nousallonsa la Chine. ' ' 

Both river and rapids are thus named so plainly, 
Lachine as a name keeps their memory green. 



A royal, diversified scene is beholden. 

This hill-top afforded, far stretching adown, 

Enhanced to the view by a sunset of golden — 
Moi'XT Royal 's the name thus proposed for the 
town . 



As years roll their courses the English here settled. 
But kept to themselves in a separate place. 

They mingled so little the French became nettled. 
St. Lawrence street claims the division to trace. 



It follows, new language will not be here founded. 
As English by Normans and Saxons of old. 

The tongues are distinct and are never missounded. 
But few of the people speak both, it is told. 



An Autograph 21 



Mont Royale in French, by the English transhited, 
— Prolong the last vowels, let accent there fall — 

(For such is the story so often narrated) , 
This double translation results Montreal. 



A city of churches, a garden of flowers, 

Each street bears the name of a favorite saint. 

There 's much to enjoy in the fast-fleeting hours. 
The visit 's too short is the only complaint. 



AN AUTOGRAPH 

Lines written for a lady's albnm 

YoiT ask me for my autograjijh ; 
Nay, nay, you need not laugh, 
But ponder what is written here 
Your leisure hours to cheer. 

An autograph, I understand, 
Is writ with one's own hand; 
But tell me what you call it, then, 
When written with a pen? 



22 Occasional Verses 



THE CREATION 

A HYMN 
Job XXXVIII. A Paraphrase and Commentary 

Where wast thou when I laid 
The foundations of the earth, 

When the Morning Stars together sung 
Tlieir cliant of heavenly mirth? vs. 4, 7 

AVhen all the Sons of (lod 

Then shouted for tlieir joy, 
To see the new created world 

And life thou here enjo3\ vs. 7 

Wliere laid are earth's foundations,^ 
And where the Corner Stone, 

And whereon are they fastened sure? — 
Declare, if thou canst own. vs. 4, G 

And who hath laid the measure, 
Or who hath stretched the line? — 

Declare now, if thou knowest this, 

Declare or give a sign. vs. 5 



^ Corner Stonp: : Second. That which is of the greatest, or of 
fundamental importance; that which is incHspensahle.— Century 
Diet. If the sun's attraction were to cease, the earth would fly 
off into space, and all life would end. 



The Creation 23 

Who hath shut up the Ocean, 
Its bounds decreed, and said 

That — Hither shalt thou come, and here 
Shalt thy proud waves be stayed, vs. 8-11 

. Hast thou commanded the morning 
To shine upon thy face? 
Or hast thy heart ever caused to let 

The Day Spring know its place? vs. 12 

This passage with the Greeks 

Foretold unto their hearts 
The dawning of Celestial Light 

Tliat Scri})ture now imparts. 

As daylight from the east 

Illuminates their eyes. 
So may the Oriens Divine 

Within their hearts arise. ^ 

Who causetli rain to fall 

To fructify the earth, 
And robe the fields with verdure fresh, 

To tender herb give birth? vs. 2G-7 

Canst thou of thine own power, 

Or bind by thy commands 
The Pleiades' sweet influence, 

Or loose Orion's bands? vs. 81 



AvutoXt), Oriens, East. See Luke, I, 78; II Peter, I, 19. 



24 Occasional Verses 



Who careth for the raven, 

And feeds her tender young, 
Supplying all their wants unknown, 

While yet his praise is sung? vs. 41 



So thus was Job reproved, 

And made to comprehend 
The wisdom of God's governance. 

And on His power depend. 

By Job's example, too. 

We are taught to acquiesce. 
And wait until in His good time 

His purpose shall express. 

The Crown of all Creation 

Is man's deep reasoning Mind: 

To understand His marvellous works 
And hidden glories find. 

By this, as time rolls on, 

His wonders are revealed. 
Since Christ the Dawn of Light appeared. 

From Prophets long concealed. 



The Creation 25 



Man deemed the Sun as central. CopornicuH 
Earth's Corner Stone thus found, 

To be the sun's attractive force Kepler 

Which holds while earth moves round. 

Man knows the ocean's bounds, 

A law the same in kind ; Newton 

Endowed with gravity or w^eight 

Its bounds are thus defined. 

Its motion on its axis 

Then causes morning light ; 
The balmy wind, the gentle rain, 

Shows food to raven's flight. 

Rain 's not in man's control. 

Though the ancients made demands 

Of the Pleiades' sweet influence, 
And through Orion's bands. 



Man proved the earth a globe, Columbus 

By steam he sails around ; Fulton 

He speaks to distant lands by word, Morse 
Afar is heard the sound. Bell 

Man next has laid the measure, Bessel 

'Tis a spheroid not a sphere, Clarke 

By stretching one meridian line. 
Which proves this question clear. ^ 

^Clarke's Spheroid, the ratio of the polar to the equatorial 
radius of the earth, is 293.98 : 294.98. 



26 Occasional Verses 



How long shall Mind expand 
And wonders on us pour? 

Perhaps until that last great day 
AVhen we shall need no more. 



THE MODERN ALADDIN 

From The Arabian Nights 
Respectfully dedicated to I'riOFESsoR Alexander Graham Bel 

Long time ago, in fabled land, 
Of cimeters and heated sand, 
And turbans, too, and all that tend 
Romance and interest to lend; — 

In this Arabian land was found 
A genie who was firmly bound 
To do the will of him who held 
A mystic lamp, and he excelled 
All others in his willing mood, 
His swiftness, skill, and aptitude, 
And Asmodeus was his name; 
Whene'er the lamp was rubbed he came, 
And instantaneously, too, 
For whatsoe'er he had to do; 
He brought such things Aladdin wished, 
Or took him to the place he list. 

But changes came and he was lost, 
Nor could be found at any cost; 



The Modern Aladdin 27 



No Arabic recorders tell 

If accident to him befell, 

But subsequently it was known 

Perhaps for rest he went alone, 

In desert clime, far out of sight, 

He slept himself in one long night. 

He slept, and slept, and slept, and slept, 

While still the world its vigil kept. 

In time, his name was near forgot; 

Or cold, or warm, he heeded not; 

Like Kip Van A\'inkle woke at last, 

Nor realized the time that passed. 

No sleep of forty years passed o'er, 

But forty centuries or more. 

Moreover, carried while he slept 

O'er space and time, the genie lept. 

Not recognized by tliose he met; 

His value, too, could men forget. 

'Twas on this trans-Atlantic shore 

At last he w^oke, to sleep no more. 

The language here seemed rudely strange, 

But one he met soon caused a change 

And quickly made him comprehend, 

Regarded as a new-found friend. 

This friend was known throughout the land ; 

He made the deaf to understand 

By motion of the lips when near. 

Equivalent to an ear to hear; 

He by degrees the genie taught 

To do his will, whate'er he thought; 



28 Occasional Verses 



No loss of time, he quickly went, 
A carriage to the door he sent, — 
A message to a friend at night ; 
The friend replied as quick as light ; 
Although in a distant city he, 
'Twas done as quick as quick could be. 
A pupil apt, he learned to speak 
Italian, French and modern Greek, 
Which gave ability for more 
Than all that he had done before. 

And so expert, excelled by none, 
His name was changed by what he 'd done. 
To rub the lamp was now too slow ; 
To call him, merely say " Hello." 

The modern name by which he's known? — 
The world now calls him Telephone. 



TIS YEARS SINCE I RECALL 

After Hood: I remember, I remember 

'Tis years since I recall 

My playground when a boy. 
'Twas in the Boston Navy Yard, 

To me an early joy — 
The liaunts we children loved. 

And where we played '' I spy." 
We all are widely scattered now, 

Some in the churchyard lie. 



'Trs Years Since I Recall 29 

'Tis years since I I'ecall 

The flags at sunset's line; 
Then aUogetlier they would fall, 

When flagship gave the sign. 
I learned the spars and ropes, 

The sails and terms marine, — 
Alas! it's useless knowledge now, 

A ship 's a huge machine. 

'Tis years since I recall 

The evening's sweet tattoo; 
It floated o'er the summer air, 

'Twas children's bedtime, too; 
The challenge " AVho goes there? " 

A¥as nothing to annoy ; 
They passed me on without the word 

Because I was a boy. 

'Tis years since I recall 

A sailing ship come in ; 
Afar she 'd signal and salute, 

Her sails then take within. 
The rattle of the chain 

Her anchor soon betrays. 
And clear of sails her spars so trim ! 

A sight of other days. 



30 Occasional Vp:rses 



THE DExMOCRATIC JACK-ASS 

When Tennessee's heroic son 
Was named for President, 

Committees met to aid his claim, 
On his election l^ent. 

And one committee chose its name — 

The Democratic Jackson 
Association, and all time 

Will hear its odd reaction. 

The name was nuicli too long for nse, 

And so it came to pass 
That when abbreviated thus, — 

It read: the Dem. Jack. Ass. 

And so the Jack- Ass came to be 

The Democratic symbol ; 
Not elephantine coarse and dull. 

But animal quite nimble. 

Plis ears the public prints all show, 
Trimmed high to give an air, 

In pleasing reminiscences, 
Of Andrew Jackson's hair. 

AVe like the Democratic Jack ; 

For many a Prize he 's won. 
Still showing by his quizzing stare 

His race is not yet done. 



Thp: Surrender op^ Lord Coiinwallis 31 

THE SURRENDER OF LORD CORNAVALLLS^ 

THE RECEPTION OF THE NEWS IN PHILADELPHIA 

" 'Tis three o'clock, a starlight night and bright," 
Thus sung the watch on that eventful night; 
The people slept their anxiousness to drown, 
And quiet reigned o'er Philadelphia Town. 

For six long years their armies in the field 
Had battled with the foe till he should yield. 
The watchman neared the house of Judge McKean, 
\\'liose ardent patriotism could few^ attain; 
A delegate in Congress long had sat. 
Chief justice, robed in scarlet and cocked hat; 
As President of Congress, filled the chair, 
The nation's welfare now was in his care. 
But hark! a noise floats o'er the quiet night, 
Of knocking, shouting, with incessant might. 
The watchman hastens to preserve the peace, 
But faster yet he hears the sounds increase. 
'Twas at this door a stranger raised alarm ; 
The watchman, to arrest him, seized his arm; 
Lie seemed excited, but he gave his name. 
And said, " To see the President I came; 
Lm Colonel Tilghman just from battle fought, 
Dispatches urgent with me I have brought." 

^Life of the Hon. Thomas McKean and Genealogy of the 
McKean family, pp. 71-2, 62. 



32 Occasional Vkrs]'> 



McKean, half dressed, now hastened down the 
stairs ; 
Dispatches handed him, he open tears. 
'^ P^roin Wasliington; reports the work he's done; 
CornwalHs conquered in the battle won ; 
Invested by our arms and close confined, 
Capitulation Articles are signed." 
'Twas brief — such news! what could be wanted 

more, 
''Thank God," exclaimed IVIcKean, ''and him 

adore!" 
To Colonel Tilghmai], '' Rest, your journey's done, 
Your rapid pace could be excelled by none." 
Answered, " In haste I travelled night and day. 
My horse I changed thrice while on the way." 

Then to the waiting crowd the news to hear. 
The tidings told, they broke in one long cheer; 
They cheered for joy, their echoes swept around; 
Again he called — his voice was almost drowned — 
" Go ye and ring the Independence Bell, 
The joyful tidings let it loudly tell ; 
It rang out once to tell our Declaration, 
Now let it ring again its consummation." 

And watchman boldly let the news resound. 
Our armies now witli victory are crowned. 
(This German watchman. Hurry was his name, 
In this one night consigned himself to fame.) 
He called aloud the people to aw^aken — 
" Basht dree o'glock, Gornvallis now isht daken ! " 



The Surp.ender of I^ord Cornwallis 33 



With strong sonorous voice the news he roars, 

The sleepers wake, it penetrates the doors ; 

The windows open'd, numerous lights appeared, 

The people thronged tlie streets and loudly cheered ; 

The town was soon illuminated bright, 

Spontaneous, too, in every house a light; 

The people shouted, '' Now the war must end. 

Heaven lent its aid our armies to defend ! " 

The city roused as if by earthquake shaken. 

Hark ! there it is again, " Cornwallis taken ! " 

Meanwhile the bells kept up a deafening ring, 

And crowds their patriotic airs would sing. 

Afar the chorus swells with loud acclaim, 

For Washington and Lafayette by name. 

Thus passed the night; 'twas not till morning light 

They realized that right had conquered might. 

Next morning Congress met by special call, 
The news was formally announced to all. 
And then to church in solemn line they go 
To offer thanks for victory o'er the foe; 
^'And to Almiglity God their thanks ascend, 
For their success to will the war to end. 
And thus the cause of Freedom to advance. 
By arms of these United States and France." 



34 Occasional Verses 



A DREAM 

Leonine Stanzas^ 

Ah ! she was fair, with golden hair, 

And fresh as rosy morn ; 
Her eyes of blue bespoke love true, 

With gracefulness inborn. 

Her mind Tvas bright, a shining light, 
A mind that's seldom found; 

The poet's flight was her delight, 
And prose of men renowned. 

And medium tall, her light foot-fall 
Revealed her ease and grace ; 

Her speech refined, and cultured mind, 
Illumed her lovely face. 

In social life, and daily strife. 
She charmed the passing hours ; 

But Nature's child, she loved the wild, 
The woods, the brooks and flow^ers. 



^ Of the beantil'ul Leonine Stanzas the author has given several 
examples. This peculiar rime is found in the Latin Odes of 
Ovid, and was intnxhiced into English about the year 1150 by 
Leoninus, a monk of Saint Victor's Paris, after whom it is named. 
There is very little in Englisli. Sir Walter Scott gives a 
beautiful poem in the IV Canto of the Lady of the Lake, and 
Tennyson three stanzas in the Princess III. These are all that 
the author knows of, except single verses. So little is this 
known that R. AV. Taylor, in his JVotes to the Lady of the Lake, 
London, speaks only of the "multiplicity of rhymes," and 
William L. Rolfe, Boston, alludes only to the "rhymes within 
the longer lines." 



Lafayette — ax Incident 8r 

LAFAYETTE— AN INCIDENT, 1824 

After Robert Southey: Tlie Inchcape Rock 
To Mrs. Britannia Wellington Kennon, Tudor Place 

The Nation waited to greet her guest ; 
From over the seas he came to the West, 
A Marquis, and Lafayette his name; 
And years before he won his fame. 

Near half a century now had flown 
vSince the infant colonies fought alone 
For relief from a load of taxes great 
To support the king and his royal state. 

With praise for their stand, their rights ignored, 
A stripling youth then offered his sword ; 
'Twas but one man his aid could boast, 
But his name and influence made him a host. 

His service accepted, the cause to aid, 
A Major General then was he made; 
And young w^as he wdien this rank he won, 
For his years had numbered but twenty-one. 

Now laden with honors during his life. 
To visit the scenes of his early strife 
He comes again as the Nation's guest, 
The land he aided to peace and rest. 



36 Occasional Verses 



Officially greeted by those in power, 
Society's calls now fill each hour. 
One incident onl}^ we relate, 
Which occurred at a large reception fete. 

'Twas at Mrs. Peter's, at Tudor Place, 
Representing then the Washington race, 
Through the Custis line of Arlington, 
The adopted son of AVashington. 

Three lovely daughters claimed her name. 
And two bore patriot names of fame ; 
The third from an English hero brave, 
And the name Britainiia AVellington gave. 

So English this name to a Frenchman's ear. 
Who had warred with lilngland year by year, 
That the guests surmised what then his thought 
When the name was under his notice brought. 

^'America Pinkney, my eldest child," 
He pressed her hand as he sweetly smiled; 
"Columbia Washington, next to claim," 
And lowly he bowed at the honored name. 

"And this little Tannic, my last, my dear." 

Surprise he showed, a nickname to hear; 

A child was she, and tall — half grown. 

And lowly he bowed, though her name unknown 



Sand of the Desert 37 



A wave of applause relieved the crowd 
To witness the skill of that hostess proud ; 
True politeness this, to eliminate aught 
That may tend to annoy by word or thought. 



This incident has often been related to tlie author by his 
mother, who was present on this occasion, and received from 
Lafayette a few flowers which are still preserved. 

Mrs. Kennon, npon receiving the poem, wrote to the author 
through her granddaughter, INIiss Peter, that as a matter of cor- 
rect history, her eldest sister was not living at this time. 



SAND OF THE DESERT 

Paraphrase of Loxgfellow's Sand of the Desert in an Hour- 

Glass ^ 

In Leonine Stanza. 

A LITTLE sand, 'twould fill a hand, 

From Arab's heated clime, — 
Within this glass, I say alas! 

'Tisnotthe " Spy of Time." 

^ The author has often seen the sand here mentioned. It was 
brought to Mrs. Otis of Boston, who placed it in an hour-glass. 
Longfellow, seeing it, wrote his poem, presenting a beautifully 
illuminated and framed copy to Mrs. Otis, who placed it together 
with the hour-glass on her library table. The sand was so light 
that, contrary to the inference from Mr, Longfellow's poem, it 
would not run through the glass. The types and prophecies in 
the following lines are not in the original. 



38 Occasional Verses 



In days long past this desert vast 

Vicissitudes has seen ; 
To IsraeUte, his heart aright, 

And faithful Nazarene. 

Long years had run, the Eldest Son 

Was like our Saviour sold ; 
And (Joseph his name) the type become 

For twenty pieces told. 

In Egypt, cast in prisons fast, 

His death he must foretell ; 
Then raised to might on Pharaoh's right 

Was His Ascent as well. 

Again this sand on Arab's land 

The Israelites passed o'er; 
Their camels, too, with instinct true, 

The desert ship of yore. 

Did Moses' feet, here burned by heat. 

Or Pharaoh's wicked kind. 
Or Virgin mild, with Holy Child, 

Their traces leave behind? 

Or caravan, that often ran 

AVest from Bassora's gate, 
Or pilgrims stout and men devout, 

All anxious for their Fate? 



Sand of the Desert 39 



Or anchorite, within the sight 
Of Arab's Dead-Sea beach? 

And singing slow, with accent low, 
His prayer, may Heaven reach. 

For ages past, blown by the blast 
This sand was scattered wide, — 

A storm to dread, 'tis always said, 
Worse than the ocean's tide. 



So light, this sand will always stand 
Within the glass half run ; 

I can but guess, it is more or less 
A half-hour's work I 've done. 



Longfellow's Scriptural geography and some of his inferences 
are not at all correct; the author would pass them over, were it 
not that they enter into his paraphrase. The country around 
Sechem, where Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites, is mountain- 
ous, where camels are not likely to go. And between Bethlehem 
and Nazareth lies no desert, hut a mountainous region. The 
Virgin Mary trod no sand with the Infant Saviour. 



40 Occasional Verses 



THE SUNFLOWER 

Of all the goddesses whose praise was sung 
By bards, and echoed by the poet's tongue, 
Fair Clytie's beauty far excelled the rest, 
And she was, too, the loveliest and best; 
Her artless form enhanced her lovely face, 
And every motion spoke of native grace. 
Light-hearted, too, witli spirit blythe and gay, 
The foremost of them all for sport or play. 
But soon a pensive look was sometimes seen. 
Nor could the cause be found with guesses keen. 
Anon, 'twas learned that Cupid's fatal dart 
Had touched at last that young and gentle heart. 
Apollo, then 'twas known, had won the prize. 
And Clytie's joy ascended to the skies. 
All nature seemed so bright it made her sing ; 
She sang for joy as birds in early spring. 

In time, alas! — (Apollo's fickle mood), — 
He left poor Clytie whom he fondly woo'd. 
The past she then endeavored to forget; 
The sun that cheered her happiness had set ; 
She bore her wretchedness as best she could. 
And mourned in silence as a maiden should. 
She pined and wept, her brightness all was shorn ;- 
Her life, indeed, had then become forlorn; 
She wept and sighed, — no comfort could she find, 
For what could comfort nature so refined? 



Thp: Battle of tpie Beauge 41 

The fates now watched her life for many an hour, 
And in compassion changed her to a flower, 
Like her in nature, Helianthus named; 
It intimates the love for which she 's famed. 
From morn to eve its face regards the sun. 
As Clytie's thoughts unto Apollo run. 

And in remembrance, too, of Clytie's woe, 
Her statues bear that flower's fringe below. 



THE BATTLE OF THE BEAUGE' 

A Chapter of Scotch History, 1421 
After Sir Walter Scott: Marmion 

Henry the Fifth, fair England's king, 
Had some pretense a claim to bring 
As heir by right to France's throne. 
And vowed to make that land his own. 
Thomas his brother's aid he gained. 
For he had been in battle trained. 
And him — the Duke of Clarence — chose 
To lead his arms against these foes. 
And then this conquest to advance, 
Made him a General of France. 

And preparations made 
By earls and barons known to fame, 
And knights and squires of noble name, 

That country to invade. 

^See references 1, 2, 3 at the end of this article. 



42 Occasional Verses 



The French and Scotch had been allied 

For their protection on each side, 

To render aid in time of need, 

Especially frona foreign greed. 

The Scotch, with ever ready zeal,^ 

In their response to French appeal. 

Made preparations fast for war 

Against the nation they abhor ; 

On their own land they all had seen 

Where England's ruthless arms have been. 

The Earl of Buchan in command,^ 

The Earl of Wigtown with his band, 

And many knights of fame the while ; 

With Gray and Swinton, Stewart, Lysle; 

With Douglass, Cunningham and Hume, 

The knights distinguished by their plume ; 

With Muldrum, Crawford and Candey; 

With Turn bull, Forbes and Kenneday, 

And John, Twelfth Laird of Buchanan's child,' 

Sir Alexander, often stjded 

Macansland — ancient family name. 

To which some of this clan laid claim, 

And many more with style of knight, 

With their retainers trained for fight, 

Than can be mentioned here. 
Great names they were of noble rank, 
With archers, spear men for the fiank, 

Expert with bow and spear; 



The Battle of the Beauge 43 

Their arms displayed on banners fair, 
Their men at arms these colors wear. 
The strongest armed with battle-axe 
Whose weight the stoutest arm would tax ; 
Others there were with steel cross-bow, 
A deadly weapon to the foe. 
The highland chiefs their clansmen bring. 

From hill, and plain, and glen, 
A valiant host to aid that king — 

In all, ten thousand men. 

And now to move this mighty host 
And land it on the foreign coast 

AVas deemed no small affair. 
In this rude age large ships were few, 
With little time for building new. 

But Spain assumed this care; 
As mistress of the seas, her aid. 
This army soon to France conveyed ; 
In castles and in dwellings housed, 
And near the host French haste had roused. 

The English army, unsurpassed, 
Came, near the close of Lenten fast. 
A truce was then agreed between, 
For full six days as both did mean. 
These days the Scotch devoutly spent 
In prayer and quiet pleasures bent. 



44 Occasional Verses 

On Easter Eve some Scots afar, 
Not thinking of this foreign jar — 
The truce still held — were playing ball/ 
And unsuspecting least of all, 

That aught betoken scathe; 
But near the river's bank they spied 
The English crossing to this side, 

A treacherous breach of faith. 
Loudly they call and raise alarms; 
The Scotch and all flew fast to arms, 

Though great was their surprise. 
In haste they rallied, formed in line. 
And chance had aided their align. 

No arrow near them flies. 
The English archers, far in rear, 
Delayed the clash till all came near; 
Then towards this host the Scotchmen drew, 
From rear, o'er head their arrows flew. 
The Scotch were "mighty men with spear 
And with the bow," their charge severe. 
The French now joined, the battle raged, 
In single fight the knights engaged. 
The English greater numbers tell. 
Then force, the Allies scarce repel. 

Are slowly beaten back. 
The Duke of Clarence now in siglit. 
His coronet a blaze of light, 

Advanced in this attack. 
Towards liim a Scottish kniglit then passed, 
Around his clansmen gather fast 



The Battle of the Beai^oe 45 

And raise the Slogan -Cr}^ — 
Claire — Innis! Forward, forward all! 
Their Chieftain Alexander's call, 

To him they quickly fly. 
Clarence' bright lance was at his tlirust, 
It touched his side then sank to dust, 
For Alexander couched his spear,' "^ 
Thrust home through Clarence' helmet clear, 
Piercing his eye, and then his brain, 
And Clarence ne'er held spear again, 

His life had ebbed away. 
The Clansmen raise exulting cry, 
His death, known but to the crowd near by, 

For on the ground he lay; 
Then Alexander fast unlaced 
His helm, the coronet he placed'^ 
Upon a spear head, raised in sight, 
A sign that closed this noted flght. 

Frantic the shout now raised, — 
The cry resounds along the line, 
Infusing vigor wdth the sign. 

For tins, now Heaven be praised. 
Dismay spreads through the English ranks, 
They waver soon upon the flanks ; 
Surprise, too, shows — Who could assail 
A Royal Duke, and yet not quail? 
^' Forward ! Now on ! " each soldier calls, 

And horns, too, sound Advance. 
Tlien back the English army falls. 

For 'tis their only chance. 



46 Occasional Verses 



The Scotch and French push onward fast; 
The battle now is won at last, — 

The English broke and fled ; 
The Scotchmen many prisoners take, 
And proudly for their honor's sake 

The fields are strewed with dead. 

And when to camp they all returned ' 

Then each with joy and lionor burned; 

Sir Alexander's fortune rose 

For his l^rave act against their foes, 

And thereby turned the battle's tide 

To victory for these arms allied. 

He brought in this gold coronet,^ 

Of purest ^old with jewels set, 

Which was on Clarence' helmet placed, — 

Which from his head he then unlaced, 

As he lay dead upon the field,' 

His mighty power gone, 
And thus by deatli was forced to yield 

When his last breath was drawn. 
And subsequently, this he sold 
For just one thousand nobles told. 
To the Lord Darnley, who, tlie same. 
For debt pledged with Lord Houston's name.' 
No certain proof the records say 
Exists of " who killed whom " that day. 



The Bvttle of the Beauge 47 



Eye witnesses assert, 
Common repute accords the right 
To Alexander, Scottish knight,^ 

As being his desert. 

Just four days pass, the Scotch then bring 
Their prisoners before the King; 
Two earls and six great barons brought 
And fifteen hundred prisoners caught, 

As trophies of this day ; 
A desperate battle by them fought 

'Gainst England's vast array. 

King Charles the Sixth was overjoyed 
By these allies he had employed, — 
Of their great deeds was pleased to learn , 
And well rewarded each in turn: — 
Made Buchan, Master of his Horse, 
His skill as leader to indorse; 
Earl Wigtoun, Constable of France, 
His fame and titles to advance; 
Laird of Buchanan's eldest son. 
Sir Alexander, honors won, — 
His act did much that day to save,^ 
And thus to him the monarch gave : 
Doubled the tressure of his shield 
In token of this battle-field. 
And gave, in honor of this day. 
For crest, a dexter hand coupe. 



48 Occasional Vp:rsfs 

And HOLDING UP, like this mishap — 

a ducal coronet oh cap, 

Between two laurel wreatlis orlewise, — 

The emhlem of the victor's prize. 

Thus did the King of France proclaim 

And by this simile the same. 

Reward the hero of this fight 

So none could e'er deny his right. 

Buchanans have, still, these arms retained 

Which Alexander's valor gained. 

' The Historians of Scotland X, VII, qnotingtlie Rook of Plns- 
carden, a contemporary record of events in Scotland, wherein 
this account is stated to have been derived from eye-witnesses of 
this battle. 

^ Drake Historia, Anglo-Scotia, 1703. 

^ Essay on the Surname of Buchanan by William Buchanan of 
Auchmar, Glasgow, 1723; Reprint, Cincinnati, 1849, pp. 31, 32, 
128-131. The use of surnames at this time was not yet firmly 
fixed, and both surnames were then in use; Buchanan and 
Macausland derived from the lands they owned (p. 31). 



THE DUKE OF CLARENCE 

A DOOMED TITLE 

This title is a mark of doom, 

To wretched death and darkest gloom 

Nay more, perchance, a bloody tomb. 



The Duke of Clarence 49 

No heirs of Clarence mourn his death ; 
The title falls with his last breath; 
'Tis fated, superstition saith. 

A royal dukedom proudly hailed 
Through it, oft crown succession failed, 
Thence through the younger sons entailed. 

First Lionel, a royal peer, 

This title held for just one year. 

But with no heir, ends his career. ises 

Next, Thomas fell at Beauge, France; 

Who broke his truce in his advance. 

Was killed by Scotch Buchanan's lance. 1421 

George forfeited his title's line, — 

By the King — his brother's base design — 

Was drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine. 1477 

Next, William, childless, feeble, vain, 

Succeeded, as the Fourth, to reign. 

The title left extinct again. 1837 

The last of all this dark array 

Victoria's own crown grandson lay, 

A corpse before his marriage day. i892 



50 Occasional Verses 

ELLEN'S GARTERS 

After Hood: Faithless Salh/ Brown 

To his cousin, Mrs. Ellen B. Screven, daughter of Admiral 
Franklin Buchanan, U. S. N.,C. S. N., upon receiving a pres- 
ent of a pair of garters. 

Oh ! Ellen's garters are the best 

That ever have been known; 
You '11 take a fellow's word for this 

Because they 're not now shown. 

I speak the truth, this time at least; 

On that you may rely ; 
Yet when the garters are in use 

'Tis very snug they lie. 

A present should be passed around, 

The crowd to share the fun. 
But this will not go round the crowd; 

'Twill only go round one. 

They know their place, and stay quite close, 

And never yet gave way. 
Unlike his cousin, donor fair, 

Who gave them once away. 

When wanted, they are always 'round — 

Those aids diminutive. 
And yet, although they have no end, 

No end of comfort give. 



The Gimmal Rin(; 51 



And more, they always stay " stuck up ' 

Like people who are proud. 
If pride still goes before a fall, 

Oh! spare us in a crowd. 

If under some unlucky star 

This accident befall, 
'Tis " Honi soit qui mal y pense " 

I'd blushing say to all. 

A poet should not criticize 

A gift that's out of sight ; 
Tis only when the day's work 's done 

He takes them off at night. 



Addison in The Spectator, No. 62, classifies Wit into two 
kinds: True Wit, which consists in the resemblance of ideas; 
and False Wit, in the resemblance of words. 



THE GIMMAL RING 

GiMMAL Rings are not now seen. 
Though once classed with jewels sheen ; 
Prized long since by ladye faire. 
Dressed, the while, in silk and vaire, — 
Reminiscences of yore, — 
While the knight an armor wore. 



52 Occasional A^erses 



Centuries have passed away 
Since these shone on festal day ; 
Times have changed, and customs, too; 
Old things now give way to new. 
Isaac of York sold Gimmal Rings, — 
Trading, too, in other things; — 
Thus we read in Ivanhoe,^ 
Time, — eight hundred years ago. 

Sometimes, still, these rings we find 
Kept for years, with history twdned, 
Highly prized by families old, — 
Heirlooms, now not bought or sold; 
Sad that in this country, too, 
Such antiquities are few. 
Gimmal Rings are formed in links 
Twisted as one little thinks. 
Curving, rounded, slightly bent; — 
Sometimes here and tliere a dent. 
When in proper order placed, 
Lo! these links are interlaced. 
Regular, a fret is seen — 
Openwork, with space between, 
Crossing each above, below. 
Beautifully twined they show; 
Graced in center by a pearl. 
Circling it these figures curl ; 

1 Chapter XXXIII. 



The GiMiSfAL Ring 53 



Then below our eyes may glide, 
Four gold links lie side by side. 

Oft to entertain her friends, 
Tossed in air this ring descends, 
But 'tis not the ring again, 
Altered now, 'tis linked-chain ! 
Three links long, the middle two 
Seeming much like something new. 
Smiling then, the owner hands 
Quickly, and with her commands, 
" Try to form the ring anew." 
Few there are this task can do. 
Sorely tried, with utmost skill. 
Failing yet, she puzzles still ; 
Surely, this is puzzle quite. 
Making these links to fit just right. 
Four links here lie side by side. 
Given by a friend long tried ; 
Doubtless, too, of English make; 
Prized yet, for the giver's sake.^ 
Modern Gimmal rings are found 
Shaped as if but one band round ; 

^ The ring here described was given to Miss Mary E. Roberdeau 
of Georgetown, D. C, by a friend of tlie family, Mr. Henry U. 
Addington, the British Minister at that time, who had succeeded 
Sir Stratford Canning, in 1823. 

Trochee is not a favorite in EngUsh, and but Httle is therefore 
to be found. Longfellow's Psaliii of Life is an example. See 
the text of The Poetic Meters. 



54 Occasional Verses 



( Two flat surfaces here meet 
\ Graved with names or motto sweet, 
( Hid when closed, the eye to cheat. 
These are French, and chiefly worn 
When the bridal robes adorn. 



ANTIPATHY TO A CAT ' 

Antipathy is not dislike, 

Though often they are thought alike. 

Dislike affects the mind alone. 

Through seeds of discord therein thrown. 

Antipathy 's the body's guest, 

Nor will obey the mind's behest; 

No influence of will can change 

The strange eflects wdthin its range. 

The word is Greek, the reason plain, 

Anti, against, and j^athos, pain.^ 

^ Tlie original prose of these verses may be found in the anthor's 
Genealogy of the Roherdeau Family, ]876, p]^. 94-(), the whole 
of which was copied by Dr. S. Weir Mitchell, of Philadelphia, 
making abont one-third of an article in the American Maorazine. 
And the whole of this latter appeared in the New York Sun of 
May 28, 1905. 

'^'Apti. irados. 



Antipathy to a Cat 55 



Now pain 's not in the mind, 'tis sure; 
Its throes the body must endure. 
Moreover, and 'tis strange at best, 
Antipathy may sometimes rest 
Within the person, and appear 
With no discomfort, dread, or fear. 

Reverse the ease, — dishke may show 
A feeUng so intense and low 
As then a stronger word to claim. 
Antipathy, its borrowed name, 
Is misapplied and wrongly used, 
Its proper meaning thus confused. 

Antipathy has many ways 
To show itself; no law obeys. 
Repugnance oft to things or sounds. 
To animals it most abounds. 
Hay fever, too, and all that train 
That cause discomfort, sometimes pain. 

One form at least is widely known. 
Antipathy to cats alone. 
King Henry III of France would faint 
At sight of cats, and this same taint 
Was most severe in Marshal Saxe, — 
With terror screamed in his attacks. 

A well authenticated case 
The author's family can trace. 
'Twas General Daniel Roberdeau, 
A patriot eager for the foe. 
With Washington in early years, 



56 OcoAsioNAL Verses 

In Congress next his name appears. 
Even though unseen, a cat, when near, 
A faintness caused, sometimes severe. 
Retiring quickly, soon he learns 
The cat 's removed, he then returns. 
A slight attack it often proved 
Whene'er the cause was soon removed. 
One summer day, the house well aired, 
To pass a cat he boldly dared. 
Upon the stairs the cat asleep, 
Apparently in slumber deep, 
His sword's sharp point he gently used. 
Nor roughly was the cat abused. 
Humane by nature, ne'er would pain 
An animal for useless gain. 

Some few descendants of his name 
This malady perforce must claim, 
But none in such a marked degree. 
In various forms, as we shall see. 
His children and grandchildren, too. 
The most escaped, — th' afflicted few. 
One grandchild, Mary Roberdeau, 
Eruption on the skin would show; 
No further symptoms then appear, 
And cats she handled without fear. 
Her niece regarded them as pets, 
But colds and sneezing ne'er forgets. 
These prove the point; though thought alike, 
Antipathy is not Dislike. 



A Decoration '^ 



Another cousin would not own 
A fear of cats, though oft has shown 
"A creepy feeling " — so she named 
The form this malady here claimed. 

We thus conclude these cases show 
The body forms the seat of woe. 



A DECORATION 

To Mrs. Thomas Clarkson TiioMrsoN, Chattanooga, Tennessee 

'Tis not the Garter round the knee 
That in this country we ne'er see. 
Yet 'tis the same in shade and hue, 
A deep, majestic royal blue. 

Around the neck, with careful tie. 
This decoration now will lie, 
Bestowed by hands of ladye faire — 
The work of her own skill and care. 

A cliance, now cherished friendship, made 
In Winchester's cool summer shade ; 
A memory of one summer past 
And parting hour approaching fast. 



58 Occasional Verses 

But 'twas not always peaceful here, 
And warlike memories cluster near. 
First French against the English fought, ■ 
The school where Washington was taught; 

Next freedom's sword was boldly drawn — 
A century since has passed and gone — 
And then — alas ! it should be so — 
A brother fought his brother foe. 

While pond 'ring these sad memories o'er, 
And hoping peace forever more, 
Yet one reflection sheds its light — 
This little gift is remembrance bright. 



THE MAN AND HIS BOTTLE 

Illnstratino; the beauties of Sophistry 

A CURIOUS thouglit once came to mind, 
'Twas like an^ Irisli bull,— 

A bottle 's drunk when empty quite, 
A man 's drunk when he 's full. 



The ^Ian and His Bottle 59 



So then a conversation rose 

Betwixt my friend and me, 
To solve this complicated case 

As well as it could be. 

" I see the point," my friend replied; 
' ' The man regards it right 
To drink the whiskey in the bottle. 
If wishing to get tight." 

" What! drink the whiskey in the bottle?'' 
I said without delay; 
The bottle is already full. 
And 'tis not filled that way." 



( ( 



'Ah yes, out of the bottle drinks.'' 
" No, wrong again, alas! 
For if he is a gentleman 
He '11 drink it from a slass. 



&' 



Of course he quickly fills the glass, 

And drinks it to the last. 
He does not drink the tumbler full. 

Drinks tumbler empty fast. 

Now ' tumbler empty ' sounds quite French ; 

In English, ' empty tumbler '; 
But still there seems sufficient here 

To satisfy a grumbler. 



00 Occasional Verses 



' Toss back his head, invert his glass, — 

To get a drop or two, — 
To drink the empty tumbler then 

Is what he seems to do." 

My friend now seemed a little piqued 

At these corrections made. 
And said, " Why do you trip me up 

At every word I 've said?" 

To quiet him, was my reply, 

" I only lend my word 
To guard you falling in mistakes 

That carelessly occurred." 

Your reason is the queerest 3^et, 

Fit only for a clown. 
You lend your aid to trip me up 

To save my falling down." 

Well, let it pass. I 've heard it said 

A man can drink a bottle; 
But here the trouble seems to be, 

To pass his little tlirottle. 



( ( 



Whichever way he drinks," said I, 
" I 'm sure I 'd give a crown 

To find out if he drinks it up, 
Or if he drinks it down." 



The Man and His BoTTrr: 61 

» Another person once remarked, 

'' I drink my whiskey straight. 
No water should be added here, 
It makes a weakened state." 

I smiled and caused him to admit 
That strengthening was his aim. 

To this replied, " It was mine, too, 
By means not quite the same." 

And next the tables turned on him, 

That water 's weak and thin ; 
To strengthen up the w^ater then, 

I pour the whiskey in ! 

And reader, when you 've read thus far, 

Especially if late, 
Invite some friends, and keep yourselves. 

But not your whiskey, straight. 



This was first published in prose in the Evening Star of 
Washington, April Ki, 1905. 

The Italian Septenary was a long line of fourteen syllables; 
but the English divided it in two of eight and six syllables. Two 
such lines would therefore make the stanza used in the above 
piece ; the original rimes thus falling at the ends of the second 
and fourth lines. And this is the reason why the first and third 
lines do not rime, — their ends being in the middle of the original 
septenary did not rime there. In the present form this is called 
Ballad Meter. 



^2 Occasional Vp:rse8 

A PARAPHRASE 

Psalms XXXIX, XC 

Lord, let me know my end betide, xxxix, vs. 4 

And the number of my days, 
That I may thus be certified ' 

How frail I am always. 

Behold, for Tliou hast made my days vs. 5 

As but a liandbreadth span ; 
Mine age is nothing in Thy gaze, 

Who judgest every man. 



Like grass that groweth up at morn 

To flourish for a space, 
But in the eve its life is shorn, 

To wither in its place. 



vs. 0, 6 



Verily, at best we know 

Man 's vanity amain, 
And surely walks but in vain show 

Disquieted in vain. 



A thousand years within Thy sight xc, 4 

Are but as yesterday. 
Which passeth as a w\atch at night. 

And fieeteth soon away. 



vs. 6 



St. Valentine's Day, IOCS 03 

Our days are but three score and ten, vs. 10 

Perchance are four score years ; 
Yet is our strength but hibor then, 

But labor, sorrow, tears? 

So teach the number of our days vs. 12, 14 

Our hearts may wisdom learn ; 
0! satisfy us with Thy ways, 

Our hearts to gladness turn. 



ST. VALENTINE'S DAY, 1908 

To Miss Ellen L. Peters 

She reminds me of a Lily fair, 

A lily fresh with dew ; 
'Tis not on all she sheds her charms, 

But on a chosen few. 

The lily's stately form is hers, 
A form of ease and grace. 

You should "but see her on the green , 
And note how light her pace. 



64 Occasional Verses 



Her goodness shines in all her ways, 

Her virtues therein lie; 
She charms the circle where she reigns, 

Like angel from on high. 

Within her breast a gentle heart, 

I wonder if 'tis free. 
I dare not ask for more of her — 

But spare her smile for me. 



ACROSTIC, MESOSTIC, AND TELESTIC 

In blank verse 
To Miss Ellen Lindsay Peters 

Each letter here, is found at every step, 
Like whispers soft, near each coesural pause; 
Low zephyrs, do not loud proclaim the part 
Each one here holds; secure that few may see — 
Nought of these hidden names; all thus appear 
Love's secrets veiled, yet clear to her bright eyes. 



The Poet's Soliloquy 



THE ''POET'S" SOLILOQUY 

After Georgk CannIxVg: Song oj One Eleven Years in Prison; 
Anti Jacobin, June 4, 1798^ 

Whene'er I write in verse I'm fear- 
ful Critics will conclemn me mere- 
ly, since I have but little sent- 
iment, which needs no argument. 

And yet, good rimes I'm often find- 
ing, scratching round like chickens blind- 
ly; those are best which flow most nat- 
urally, with the sense thereat. 

Sometimes several come quite free- 
ly, like mosquitoes without see- 
king ; then perchance the worst is cho- 
sen if the w^ords more smoothly flow. 

And now^ with haggard eyes review- 
ing what I've written, shows me tru- 
ly verse is not my science prop- 
er, therefore writing I should stop. 

^George Canning while a member of parliament started this 
Weekly as a political aid. It soon became known for the brilli- 
ancy of its contributions and the oddity of its verses. Canning 
became Prime Minister and his cousin Sir Stratford Canning 
was minister to this country, 1820-3. 



66 Occasional Verses 



HE WANTS TO BE^ 

One Roosevelt wants to be the head 

And first in everything; 
Change what he pleases right or wrong, 

As if he were a king. 

Without discretion points the way, 
And thinks he is a teacher; 

And when to church on Sunday goes, 
He wants to be the preacher. 

Again to church he wends his way, 
Chance christening there may be; 

When to the font the infant's brought, 
He wants to be the baby. 

When to a funeral he 's asked, 
While tolls the parting knell. 

The corpse he then desires to be, 
And thinks he '11 act it well. 



^It is a_ dispute among tlie critics whether burlesque poetry 
runs best in heroic verse, Hke that of the Dispensary or in tlie 
Doggerel like that of Hudihras. I think when the low character 
is to be raised, the heroic is the proper measure; but when an 
hero is to be pulled down and degraded, it is then best done in 
the Doggerel. — Addison, Spectator, No. 249, 



A Ludicrous Incident 07 



A LUDICROUS INCIDENT 

After Cowper: Pity the Poor Africans 

'TwAS Sunday, — the servant as usual was out, — 
The day of all days they can ne'er do witliout ; 
The mother and daughter were living alone, 
And talking as usual in low undertone ; 

But presently, out of the window in sight. 
Was the servant girl, reeling in piteous plight, 
Singing and making a jolly ado, 
And, horror of horrors! — a man with her, too. 

Then down to the basement and kitchen they went, 
And both to their jollity loudly gave vent. 
The ladies were frightened, as well might they be, 
And to get them out quickly no way did they see. 

" Go, call a policeman! " the mother then cried; 
The night was approaching, — 'tw^as late eventide. 
'Tis needless to ask when this trouble occurred, 
For 'twas long before telephones ever were heard. 

Said the mother, afraid, for their noises were shrill: 
'' I will go for our neighbor and friend, Mr. Gill." 
He came in a moment his neighbor to aid — 
Though small in his stature, was never afraid. 



68 OccAsioxAL Verses 



Then up the front steps they both went witli a will; 
But down the back stairs it was never so still. 
With the aid of a candle he soon looked around, 
And with some surprise, because no one he found. 

" I see no one here; but perliaps they are hid; 
And then of such servants you '11 gladly be rid. 
I've looked in the closets, and pantries as well; 
But where they are hid, I am sure I can't tell." 

The daughter now came with the officer, too; 
Down the steps, to the kitchen, the officer flew. 
He sprang at a man whom he saw standing there. 
But he dodged round the table and threw down a 
chair. 

Around and around the old table they passed, 
And it rattled and groaned, and tipped over at last; 
And, with the old table, the candle went out. 
And the officer grabbed at the man with a shout: 

' ' Now quick ! ' ' cried he presently, ' ' bring me a light. 
I 've caught the offender and hold him here tight. 
I don't see the w^oman, but I '11 find her yet 
And give her a term she will never forget." 

With lights came the ladies, and hurrying fast. 
But a sight met their eyes, and they stood well 
aghast ! 



Atlantic City 09 



The big officer's grip was on poor little Gill, 
Who looked so ashamed for his part in this mill. 

Explanations soon followed, — apologies made, 
But the story leaked out; 'twas a rare escapade. 
When the mother for good Mr. Gill had gone out, 
The rogues took their chance, and escaped without 
doubt. 

The story I'm telling is all strictly true. 
Not coined, I assure you, from dreams old or new. 
And so let them rest till they rise up again. 
And furnish a tlieme for another refrain. 



ATLANTIC CITY 

A cliaraeteristic description 

To his cousin !*>ully B. Roberdeau 

1. Cosmopolitan, Booths, Sales, Steel Pier 

A CITY cosmopolitan, 

With stores and booths from far Japan, 

From Turkey, Mexico and Rome, 

And Indians nearer to their home; 

From Italy and China, too; 

Things well arranged to catch the view, 



70 Occasional Verses 

All fronting on this long Boardwalk, 

And owners anxious for a talk. 

They're proud to have their wares to show, 

And courteous if you buy or no. 

The novelties are well displayed, 

And handsome things of every grade. 

A china vase on revolving stand, 

And painted by a foreign hand, 

Five hundred dollars will command ; 

And handsome painted china plates 

For thirty dollars tempt the fates. 

Here everything below the sun — 

Yes, everything as thought may run — 

Is found on this Boardwalk, and here 

It may be bought if cheap or dear. 

On this Boardwalk four miles at least 
The eye now has its greatest feast, 
As wide as any city street 
And wider as the most you meet. 
A crowd one hundred thousand strong, 
And no rude word or action wrong, 
With rolling chairs for old and lame. 
The lazy, too, this aid can claim. 

Most things on this Boardwalk are trash, 
Yet still they sell, and like a flash. 
Here candy's plenty everywhere, 
The best and worst of this sweet ware. 
And mineral water, just to think — 
'^ For five. cents, all that you can drink!" 



Atlantic City 71 



But many curious things are there, 
And foreign, too, at prices fair. 
Sometimes by chance, the story's told, 
The purchaser himself is sold ! 

Young ladies in the broiling sun 
Here walk, yet hats and wraps have none; 
Sometimes a parasol, but that 
Is oft neglected v»'ith the hat. 
These curious customs flow like rime, 
Put on the hat, for dinner time! 
'Tis glorious fashion, needs be told — 
We men exempt, so are the old. 

The Music on the long Steel Pier 
Draws many, these soft sounds to hear; 
An orchestra of fifty told ; 
One thousand does the Arcade hold. 
The Concert Hall at end of Pier 
Seats fifteen hundred without fear, 
Above the weaves that roll below ; 
Outside one thousand more or so. 

2. Bathing Hour, The Sands, Waves, Sand Boys 

The bathing hour is now quite near, 
And tired, we '11 sit a short time here; 
'Tis Brady's large Pavilion, too, 
Ati'ording thus a better view. 
But hark! A doggerel passes round, 
Amid the noise we hear its sound : 



72 Occasional A^erses 



" Dost hear the ocean moaning? 

'Tis moaning soft and low, 
Because the stout old bather 

Stepped on its under toivy 

And so they go — the joke and pun, 
What here is life without its fun? 

Now saunter with me on the sand ; 
A storm has passed, the waves are grand; 
A zephyr lets them slow arise. 
And higher, higher grows their size : 
The foaming crest now forward curls 
Above the solid wall it hurls. 
It trembles as afraid to fall. 
But breaks at last and that is all. 
A sheet of foam of dazzling white 
Alone remains of its great might. 
We little think what strength abides. 
Until it beats upon our sides. 
The force is greater on our backs, 
And face to face our body racks — 
To scramble up, cough water out. 
And in our glee send up a shout. 
A Sand Bath 's all some people take, 
With bathing dresses on — a fake ! 
A little knot upon the sand 
They sit or lie, and some may stand, 
^\'ithout their hats in hottest sun ; 
They piny and talk and have their fun; 



Atlantic City 73 

One friend they '11 cover up with sand, 
He 's almost baked, but thinks it grand! 
They all are children once again, 
It just repeats the old refrain : 

" Mamma, mamma, may I go to swim? 
Yes, my darling daughter; 
Just hang your clothes on the hickory tree, 
And don't go near the water." 

From Boardwalk watch the Sand Boys work, 

A pleasant duty they ne'er shirk; 

To form medalions in the sand, 

AVe stop and watch them as we stand. 

Fine likenesses of public men 

Formed fair as if done with the pen; 

A horse, and with artistic lines 

A female figure here reclines. 

They 're quite expert as we have found ; 

We're pleased and drop some nickels round. 

3. The Shore Line, Current, Life Saving Tent, Life Guard 

The shore line runs about northeast. 
The tide, then coming from the east 
Rebounds, moves south a current strong 
AVhich carries swimmers fast along. 
AVhile bathers think they keep their place, 
Unconsciousl}' are moved a pace. 



74 Occasional Verses 

Beyond the crowd the Life Boat stays 
And oft assists in various ways ; 
No lives are lost at bathing hour — 
'Tis those who overrate their power, 
And disregard a caution, too, 
Perhaps to show what they can do. 
The fact seems strange that always here 
'Tis expert swimmers drowned each year. 

For each half mile Life Saving Tent 
Awaits to save a life half spent ; 
With surgeon and attendants skilled, 
To clear the lungs with water filled. 
By forcing oxygen therein. 
And signs of life soon show within. 

The Life Guards, clad in shirts of red, 
A useful, daring life have led, 
To save the drowning from the sea. 
Regardless of the risks there be. 

In idle times they saunter round, 
Their aid to lend for trouble found. 
A coil of rope is near at hand, 
Or carried as they walk the sand. 
They swing the end of this rope amain, 
As a gentleman often swings his cane ; 
Methinks this looks like the devil's tail, 
Swished as he walks o'er hill and dale. 
For the Poet long since wrote this lay, 
The Devil dresses much this way. 



Atlantic City 75 



With jacket red and trousers blue, 

And a hole where his long tail comes through/ 

4. The Bowery, Chelsea, The Inlet, Electric Lights, The 
American Garden, Longport, Ocean City 

No liquor 's sold, the law foretells, 
Except below the large hotels. 
This part, though not the proper name, 
" The Bowery " it is said to claim; 
Perhaps because the two railroads 
Here dump their cheap excursion loads. 
Though sometimes colored, mostly white, 
At parting hour they fade from sight. 

A mile below is Clwhea found, 
Preferred by some for quiet around ; 
The same Boardwalk extends dowii here. 
And further still — the end 's not near; 
But free from crowds and not so wide. 
And closer to the water's tide. 

" The Inlet " on the north so known 
Gives name by which this part may own. 
Absecon is the proper name 
The place and quiet bay both claim. 
Here sailboats may be liad by day 
For gentle sailing on the Bay, 
For fishing or a sail outside 
Upon the ocean's rolling tide. 

^ The Devil's Thoughts, S. T. Coleridge, in the large editions 
only. 



70 Occasional Verses 



The large pavilion gives us rest 
Up stairs or down, whiche'er is best. 
We watch the sailboats as they pass, 
And order what we wish by glass. 
In afternoons the music plays, 
But 'tis not long our party stays. 

The Electric LigJifs turn night to da}" 
Along the Boardwalk its long way; 
Festooned they glow for many a mile ; 
You stand and see no end the while — 
In front or back 'tis all the same; 
You walk an hour, no end reclaim. 
With millions hung two feet apart — 
The cost alone would make one start. 
Each fifty feet they 're hung across — 
Where are they not? AVe're at a loss. 
E]ach booth and store is a blaze of light ; 
'Tis not by day they are so bright. 
Along the walk their lights all shine. 
Increasing light already fine. 

The Piers we also see ablaze ; 
The buildings, too, here meet our gaze. 
The house, the windows, roof and all 
Are seen, as well as towers tall; 
Ethereal, fairy, mystic scene! 
'Tis only outline now is seen, 
Imagination does the rest; 
We see the building at its best. 



Atlantic City 



The American Garden 's great at niglit; 
For ladies 'tis most novel sight. 
A true Beer (larden hence its name, 
But 'tis for ladies all the same. 
Not every man removes his hat, 
But then it seems just tit for tat. 
Some ladies in full evening dress 
Enjoy this novel siglit no less, 
In length about a city sc|uare. 
The music plays — 'tis everywhere. 
Men smoke, the ladies do not care; 
To smoke, perhaps, they do not dare ! 

To-morrow we may take a ride 
To Longport, ending this shore's side, 
And in the fairy steam launch toss 
Upon Egg Harbor's waves across. 
By cars again we shortly reach 
And stop at Ocean City Beach. 
There 's little here to interest, 
The trip is more than all the rest. 

Our days while here have been a few. 
Next day we have to bid adieu. 



78 Occasional Verses 

LOSS OF THE BURGOYNE 

On the Banks of Xewfoundland, Jnly 4, 1898 

'TwAS a summer day, — the ship was leaving the 
shore, — 
To the Bride, friends wafted adieu ; 
But little they thought 'twas a long farewell ever- 
more ; 
She was soon on the ocean blue. 

No moonlight shone on that calm and beautiful 
night; 

A sea-fog soon arose, — 
The fog-bell tolled to aid the signal light, 

While the passengers lay in re})Ose. 

At midnight hour there suddenly came a shock, — 

The vessel keeled over one side ; 
The sea rushed in, as if all their efforts to mock; 

She soon sank beneath the tide. 

For the only child, her friends drank this bitterest 
draft, 

For many a month and year; 
They carved her name on a costly marble shaft, — 

On an empty grave dropped a tear. 



Sincere 79 

SINCERE 

A Sonnet 

On Delos Icarus was once confined, 

And seeking his escape, the coast explored, 
But none whatever could the sea afford ; 

But yet ingenious, with a fertile mind, 

Wings then he made, which to himself to bind 
With wax, with which he found the island 

stored , 
But little thinking if too high he soared 

The solar heat would melt the wax behind. 

His fate we mortals yet recall this day, 

By things we deem to be not honest; true. 
The wings were false made so by wax is clear; 

Whate'er is true, by contrary we say. 
Is without wax, or sine cera, too. 
In English, hence, we coined the word sincere. 



LE GRANDE HOMME 

SrEAK not of royal state ; 

There 's nothing half so grand 
As Head- Waiter in a large Hotel, 

Or Drum-Major of a Band. 



80 OCCASIOXAL A^P^ESES 



A KNOTTY POINT. 

Illustrating the beauties of legal sophistry 

Protagoras, a learned Greek, 

Agreed to teacli a young man law 

So that he could correctly speak 
And argue points without a flaw. 

The young man then in turn agreed 
Protagoras liis fee should name, 

When first he had a case to plead, 
And won it, too, to show his fame. 

But soon the youth gave up the law ; 

He never had a case, he said; 
'Twas loss of time he well foresaw, 

And so the hill was never paid. 

Though chance of payment seemed remote. 
The tutor next demands his fee 

And asks for payment on the note ; 
'Twas justly due, as all could see. 

So, then, to law the parties went, 

And each one plead on his own case ; 

Hammer and tongs, — on vengeance bent,- 
The tutor sure he'd win the race. 



A Knotty Point <S1 



The tutor first made j^laiii his side; 

" Whether I win or lose the day,"— 
(A curious point in law betide) , — 

" In either case I get my pay. 

" For if I win this case, 'tis plain 
He '11 have to pay, and quickly, too, 

Or lose, — then he 's not plead in vain; 
Successful pleading makes it due." 



Then rose the youth with manner meek. 
But argued strong with easy grace. 

Tlien was the tug, — 'twas Greek joined Greek 
That " if I win, I win the case, — 



^ 1 



" Or lose," — 'tis unsuccessful plead 

(And from this point his words ne'er rove) 

" The fee is not yet due," he said, 
'' So nothing do I pay, By Jove! " 

Ye lawyers, judges, — this review 
('Twas long ago this case was tried) 

Say, both in law and justice, too, — 
How would you now again decide? 

^Nathaniel Lee, 1655-90. 



82 Occasional Verses 



CHRISTMAS HYMN 

Luke II, 8-14 

Shepherds abiding in the field 
Kept watch o'er flocks by night; 

The glory of the Lord revealed 
His presence to their sight. 

The Angel of the Lord came o'er, 
And gloried splendor shone 

The light of Israel's God of yore, 
The Guide through deserts lone. 

Alarmed, afraid, and sore distraught, 

The Angel said, Fear not; 
Behold ! I bring good tiding wrought, 

Great joy shall be 3^our lot. 

For unto you is born this day, 

As ye and all shall find, 
In David's city where he lay, 

The Saviour of mankind. 

And who is Christ, the Lord foretold. 
And this shall be your sign : 

The babe ye '11 find in a manger's fold, 
Whom swaddling clothes confine. 



A Curious Rime 83 



And suddenly a multitude 

Of Heavenly host appears 
With songs to praise the magnitude 

Of mercy that endears. 

To God let highest glory be, 

And on the earth be peace, 
Good will towards men (from sin now free) 

And evermore increase. 



A CURIOUS RIME 

Pray tell me, sir, if this word cur 
Is good to rime with myrrh ; 

Or in a word, if you have heard, 
'Tis better rimed with her? 



84 Occasional Verses 



A BOOK WITHOUT AN INDEX 

In searching out historic facts 

A book I 've often seen 
Whose title shows it may contain 

The fact I wish to glean. 

The Contents brief my subject shows, 

And to the end I turn ; 
No Index there, — with much disgust 

The book I quickl}^ spurn, 

And throw it down in sheer despair, 
For 'twas the third I found 

And with no Index, merely trash 
Like gold, miles underground. 

The Index is the Mind of Books 
In telling what each knows. 

So books without a clear Index 
Should by themselves repose. 

And well the simile holds good, 

As many authors find : 
A book without an Index fair. 

Is a man who 's lost his mind. 



Personal Eeminiscences 85 

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES 

In memory of my Mother 
Prologue 



Here written for the practice gained 
In riming both alternate lines, 

For Dryden finds more care 's maintained 
Than when the easy couplet shines/ 



My father and my mother dear 

Were the best that Heaven e'er gave a bo}^ 
Correcting me with love, not fear. 

And making life a daily joy. May 12 

^ The author found by experience that this was more difficult 
than other forms of verse ; and remarked tliat he proposed the 
present subject as actual practice in this form. He was much 
surprised not long after to learn that the eminent poet Dryden 
had made a similar statement in the preface to his Anno Mira- 
bilis : "I have always found the couplet verse most easy 
. . . for these the work is sooner at an end, every two 
lines concluding the labor of the poet; but in the quatrains 
he is to carry it further on, and not only so, but to bear along 
in his head the troublesome sense of four lines together." — 
Prof. R. M. Aldex's English Verse, p. 72. 



86 Occasional Verses 



I used to visit, when a youth, 
Two relatives in German town ; 

Both searched for scientific truth, 
Ah^eady had they gained renown 



Two maiden sisters, Morris named, — 
Margretta Hare, Elizabeth C. — 

In minerals, plants and insects famed, 
First science lessons tauo'ht to me. 



Once leaving, by chance was not alone, 

A lady's escort I became. 
Her husband. Dr. Jackson known, 

Discovered Ether, hence his fame. 

6 
In those old days our travel route 

Was part by steamboat, — such our lot! 
And Mrs. Jackson pointed out 

That not far off was General Scott. 



Approaching, " Gen'ral, request I make; 

I ask to hold within my grasp 
In memory of old friendship's sake. 

The hand my grandpa used to clasp." 



Personal Reminiscences 87 



8 

His hand held out, '^ Pray, sonny, tell 
His name. ' ' ' ' 'Twas Colonel Roberdeau. ' ' 

"Ah, yes; I knew and liked him well, 
Chief, Topographical Bureau." 

9 

In Washington, one summer day, 

Smithsonian I wished to see, 
So thitherward I made my way, — 

Doors locked, but one which opened free. 

10 

Upstairs I walked ; a person there 
Remarked that was a private part. 

I apologized in language fair, 

Regretting, next day, I must depart. 

11 

He asked my name, and chance befel, 

I told him I was staying then 
With the Miss McKean,^-he knew them well, 

And added, " Can't you come again?" 



I regretted, '' Then I '11 show you round. "^ 
Some things he showed with marked pride. 

An honor great ; I later found 
Professor Henry was my guide. 



88 Occasional Verses 



13 

Professor Hare's bequest he named, 

Seemed pleased that of him long I 'd known 

And when relationship I claimed, 
And to the Miss Morris kinship own. 

14 
This gentleman was unknown to me; 

At parting said, your name I crave, 
For much I esteem your courtesy, 

And thanks to Mister Henry gave. 

15 
Ere this, Professor Hare I met,^ 

As Chemist, in that science led. 
On Spiritualism set, 

" Mad as a March Hare," they said. 

16 
And here knew Mrs. Mordicai, 

My mother's bridesmaid long ago, 
Niece of Rebecca Gratz, viola! 

Scott's heroine of Ivanhoe. 

17 
Of Boston's social realm the queen 

Was ^Irs. Otis, who first planned 
That Washington's birthday should mean 

A holiday throughout the land.^ 

^ Philadelphia. 

''See Sand of the Desert, — note. 



Personal Reminiscences 89 

18 

Of Boston intimates we claimed 

The Misses Stuart, sisters two, 
And daughters of that artist famed. 

Miss Jane a noted artist, too. 

19 

She caught her father's style of art, 
And eminence attained ; in fact. 

Like him was droll, could act a part. 
Was witty, a mimic in w^ord and act. 

20 

My mother's friend I called to see,^ 

In Washington in 'Sixty-one. 
Was introduced to " Mrs. Lee " — 

My query, " Lee of Arlington?" 

21 

She merely moved her head assent. 

" Selina Roberdeau," I said, 
" My mother, oft in pleasure bent. 

Has met you, but in years long fled." 



^ Mrs. John Mason ; while on a visit to Washington. Cather- 
ine, daughter of General Macomb, and sister-in-law of Senator 
James M. Mason, who in later years was the Confederate Envoy 
to England. 



90 Occasional Verses 



She soon replied, " Yes, well I know; 

Tlie portrait 's now at Arlington, 
In oil, of Colonel Roberdeau." 

Amazed was I, for I knew but one. 

23 

In Washington, twelve years had flown, ^ 
Miss Martha Custis Williams knew 

A friend my mother long had known; 
Her father. Captain Williams, too, 

24 

Of the Topographical Bureau, 

The artist who that work had done ; 

But losing life in Mexico, 

This portrait hung at Arlington. 

25 

When Mrs. Lee her private things 
Removed from that historic place, — 

The war then closed, — this picture brings. 
Designed her niece's home to grace. 

26 

To my mother next this portrait passed, 
A token of old friendship's sign, 

And so I have now, the last, 
What histories around it twine ! 

* Eemoved from Boston to Washington, 1872. 



Personal Reminiscences 91 

27 
Last tribute of respect I paid, 

'Twas Mrs. Admiral Carter's due/ 
Pall bearer at her funeral bade 

Long years of friendship's last adieu. 

28 

Li Lawrence Scientific School 

Was Eustis, " Prof.," with talents rare, 

First graduate in West Point rule, 
And first in Plarvard's classes there. 

29 

Here Peirce's fixed immobile face 
The heavy mathematics claimed. 

'Twas Plorsford made a change of place. 
Now baker, once as chemist named. ^ 

30 

Next Felton, ^' Prex," served but two years, 
With features large and curly hair ; 

His fame in Greek still great appears.' 
A jovial face, with merry stare, 

31 

Jerked out, " You want my auto-grapli " 

(My time for graduation nigh) 
" Placed here upon my photo-graph V 

" Yes, if you please, sir," my reply. 

^ Mif^s Williams, mentioned above, niece of Mrs. Lee. 
' He of the acid phosphates and baking powders. 



92 Occasional Verses 

32 

Then Gray, whom plants and flowers delight, 
The botanist, in his zenith then ; 

And Agassiz, a shining hght. 

Was child-Hke — true the poet's pen.^ 

33 

I ne'er knew Longfellow, though nigh 
And heard around, " Yi-yi, yi-yi," 

For him, the students' special cry, 
And echoed far and wide, " Yi-yi." 

34 

And Agassiz in later days — 

While with my mother at Key West, 

His wife, a courteous visit pays. 

From deep-sea dredgings taking rest. 

35 

Return to home each one foresees, 
And kindly asks that we would sail 

In the Bibb with them to Cedar Keys 
And Fernandina, thence by rail.^ 

3() 

At Cedar Keys, in one long room 
We men all slept upon the floor; 

^Longfellow's Fiftieth Birthday of Agassiz. 
* For an account of this trip see Dredging in the Gulf Stream 
by Mrs. Agassiz, Atlantic Montlily, November, 1869, pp. 577-8. 



Personal Reminiscences 93 



We dressed in morning's darkest gloom 
To take the cars at half past four. 

37 
A delightful journey made that day, 

We stopped for breakfast in an hour; 
Passed alligators on the way, 

Then sunrise waked the opening flower. 

38 

At every stop fresh flowers we found, 
And Mrs. Agassiz knew them well; 

In great profusion there abound ; 
A botanist each name would tell. 

39 
Professor Newcomb long we've known, 

And his assistant I became. 
His family, too, through long years flown; 

Much quiet wit his words would claim. 

40 
July 11, 1909 

Great Newcomb 's voice was soft and low. 
His friends could hardly catch each word ; 

But thoughts on science quickly flow, 
And round the earth his voice is heard. 



INDEX 



Acrostic, Mesostic, and Telestic 64 

In blank verse. 

To Miss Ellen Lindsay Peters. 

Antipathy to a Cat 54 

Atlantic City 69 

To Mr. Sully B. Roberdeau. 
A characteristic description. 

Autograph, An 21 

For a Lady's Album. 

Battle of the Beauge, The. 1421 41 

A chapter of Scotch History. 

Battle of Santiago Bay, The 11 

To Rear-Admiral Winfield S. Schley, U. S. N. 

Book without an Index, A 84 

Christmas Hymn. Luke II 82 

Creation, The. Job XXXVIII 22 

A Paraphrase and Commentary. 

Curious Rime, A 83 

Decoration, A 57 

To Mrs. T. C. Thompson. 

Democratic Jack- Ass, The .... Humorous 30 

Dream, A In the Leonine Stanza 34 

History of the Leonine Stanza. 

Duke of Clarence, The; A Doomed Title ... 48 



96 ( )( T AS I ON A L y K R SP:S 

Ellen's Garters Humorous 50 

To Mrs. Ellen B. Screven. 

Note on True and False Wits; Addison. 
Four Maries, The Dactyl 8 

Remarks on this meter. 
Gimmal Ring, The Trochee 51 

History of the rinjx liere described and alluding to 
Mr. Addington, the British Minister, 1823. 

Remarks on this meter. 

Grande Homme, Le 79 

He Wants To Be A Doggerel 66 

Note from Addison's Spectator. 
Knotty Point, A Humorous 80 

Illustrating legal sophistry. 
Lafayette, An Incident, 1824 . . Free Iambic 35 

To Mrs. Britannia Wellington Kennon. 
Lord Byron — 

This severe piece against Lord Byron and his family 
has not been included in this collection. 

Loss of the Burgoyne 78 

Ludicrous Incident, A. . Humorous, Anapest 67 
Man and his Bottle, The Humorous 58 

Illustrating the use of sophistry. 
The Italian Septenary, Ballad Meter. 

Modern Aladdin, The 26 

To Professor Alexander (3rraham Bell. 

Montreal Amphibrach 19 

Remarks on this meter. 

Paraphrase, A. Psalms XXXIX, XC .... 62 



Index 97 



Personal Reminiscences 85 

To the memory of my ]Motiier. 
Dryden's remarks on quatrain rimes. 
Prologue, Stanza 1. 85 

Pay Director McKean Buchanan, U. S. N., 2, 
Mrs. F. Sehna Buchanan, 2, 16, 21, 84. 

Miss M. H. Morris, 3, 4, 13 86 

Miss E. C. Morris, 3, 4. 

Dr. and Mrs. Charles T. Jackson, 5. 

General Winfield Scott, 6, 7, 8. 

Col. Isaac Roberdeau, U. S. A., 7, 8, 22-7. 

Prof. Joseph Henry, 9-14 87 

The Miss McKean, 11. 

Prof. Robert Hare, 13, 15 88 

Mrs. Col. Alfred Mordicai, 16. 
Miss Rebecca Gratz, 16. 
The Heroine of Ivanhoe, 16. 
Mrs. H. G. Otis, Boston, 17. 

The Miss Stuart, 18, 19 89 

Gilbert Stuart, 18, 19. 
Mrs. John Mason, 20. 
Mrs. Gen. Robert E. Lee, 20-7. 

Mrs. Admiral Carter, her niece, 23-7 90 

Captain Williams, U. S. A., 23-4. 

Prof. H. L. Eustis, 28 91 

Prof. Benjamin Peirce, 29. 
Prof. E. N. Horsford, 29. 
President C. C. Felton, 30-1. 

Prof. Asa Gray, 32 92 

Professor and Mrs. Agassiz, 32, 34-8. 

H. W. Longfellow, 33. 

Professor Newcomb, 39, 40 93 



98 Occasional Verses 
Poetic Meters, The 7 

Remarks on the Trochee and DactyL 

Poet's Soliloqu}^, The. Burlesque, Broken Verse 65 

Brief account of George Canning and the Anti- 
Jacobin, 1797-8. 

Sand of the Desert Leonine Stanza 37 

Paraphrase of Longfellow's poem. 

History of this sand and Longfellow's poem. 

Sincere A Sonnet 79 

Southern Heavens, The 16 

St. Valentine's Day, 1908 63 

To Miss Ellen L. Peters. 

Sunflower, The 40 

From the Romau JNIythology. 
Surrender of Lord Cornwallis . Iaml)ic Penta- 

Reception of the news in Philadelphia. meter 31 

'Tis Years Since I Recall . . . Pure Iambic 28 



LORD BYRON 

By ROBERDEAU BuCHANAN 

Taken out of his Occasional Verses 

This family is one we should forget — 
A wicked, base, disreputable set. 
Lord William, Baron, fifth in line amain, 
Turned murderer, for killing with his cane, 
In jealous scuffle fiercely striking down 
A man within the streets of London town. 
Convicted by a jury from his peers, — 
Appealed, the House of Lords the case now hears. 
He escaped the hangman with a paltry fine; 
Bui justice f — noble lords, 'tis not their line. 

The poet's father profligate became. 
By his rash acts had gained notorious fame. 
He with a marchioness eloped and fled 
From England to the Continent to wed. 
So soon as e'er the marquis' suit could claim 
Divorce to alienate her from his name. 
But 'twas not long before this woman died ; 
He back to England for new conquests hied. 
His fortune squandered, money now he wants; *. 
For this the fashionable world he haunts. 
An heiress. Baroness, was next his prey. 
And her he married at an early day. 
Her fortune, nearly all, he quickly spent 
On dissipation, so his nature bent. 



With her he lived short spaces for a while — 
A son was born, he showed no happy smile; 
Abandoned both, as shamefully he can, 
And died in France, a miserable man. 

No love or true affection finds a place 
Within the breasts of this accursed race. 
No love for husband, wife, or parent, child, — 
Their love is lust like animals run wild. 

To train the boy his mother bent her will ; 
A wilful child, the task was past her skill. 
And with no reference to faults observed, 
Or praises due for merit well deserved. 
She petted, scolded him with fickle mind. 
Increased those faults to which he was inclined. 
All good and moral tendencies were checked ; 
Anomalous his nature, the effect. 
" Your Ma 's a fool," a person said one day; 
" I know it," said the boy; " 'tis just her way."^ 
The murderous uncle died, the news they hear, 
The boy, now eight years old, became a Peer. 
As poet known, he quickly rose to fame 
And prominent in English life became. 
In all society was deemed the best. 
No fete complete without this honored guest. 
In time he married and to London came. 
But great extravagances marked his name. 
The threats of many creditors he dreads. 
The bailiffs seize his furniture and beds; 

^ Phii.ijps' English Literature, II, 337-8. 



Ten executions levied for his debts, 

And nought but hate this foolish man now gets.^ 

His house dismantled by the bailiff's calls, 

Alone he stands within the cold bare walls. ^ 

Then Newstead Abbey sold is the effect. 

And the ancient grandeur of his name is wrecked. 

Exempt his person from a debtor's fate, 

A Peer escapes the law because he 's great ! 

Not man both good and great, but 'cause his blood 

Has ' ' crept through scoundrels ever since the flood . ' '^ 

And his great uncle took this method, too. 

For in this kin all evil thrived and grew. 

About this time, on one December's day, 
A little daughter in his wife's arms lay. 
His wife now left him, she foresaw the scorn; 
In just six months a second daughter born. 
The fashionable world was well aghast, 
The woman far from fashionable caste ; 
A double life the scoundrel long had led ! 
A, secret kept, till now, no word was said. 

^ Letter to Mr. Murray, March 6, 1818. 

"^ Letters and Journal of Lord Biiron by Thomas Moore, Lon- 
don, MDCCCXXX, letter CCXXXII, vol. I, p. 642 {Literatim). 
At this time when he had to stand this unexpected shock, his 
pecuniary embarrassments which had been fast p;athering around 
him during the whole of that year (there being no less than 
eight or nine executions in his house within that period) had 
arrived at their utmost, and at a moment when, to use his own 
strong expression, he was "standing alone on his hearth with 
his housiehold goods shivering around him," he was also doomed 
to receive the startling intelligence that his wife, who had just 
parted with him in kindness, liad parted with him — forever. 
. ^PoPE, Essay on Man, IV, 212. 



APR 25 ISI^ 



Burst now the storm, the petted idol fell, 
And Byron's life became a living hell. 
From all society was strictly barred, 
Nor could a friendly few this storm retard. 
Despised of men, with universal rage, 
By high and low, the simple and the sage; 
In theatres, afraid of being hissed; 
Or stoned, if walking on the streets he list. 
In writing, Byron called himself one time 
" The great Napoleon of the realms of rhyme." 
This overreaches farther than he thought, 
Each fell from causes that his pride had wrought. 
Napoleon kept his honor with his fall. 
But Byron lost his honor with his all. 
So hated and despised by decent men. 
This scoundrel fled from England with his pen. 

Yet still w^as left his master passion, pride — 
All other faculties in nature died. 
Revenge, the motive of a nature base, 
Guides his envenomed pen against his race. 
His wounded pride's retort upon the world. 
His most indecent Don Juan he hurled. 
Then died, un mourned, among a soldier band, 
An outcast exile in a foreign land. 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



/^pfei 26 ihi^ 



